Coach a lot of drama in the off season but you are in the big 12 North and it's up for grabs. What has this Mizzou team focused on to get to the Big 12 CCG?

This spring, our biggest question mark was the offense. We will be returning 9 of our starters, but our biggest loss was the departure of Jared Perry and Danario Alexander. The Wide Receivers coach has had his work cut out for him while running our spring drills, but we have alot of young guys that can make the spread work. Its just the matter of who will step it up and be the break out star for the receivers.

Our defense gets 8 guys back next year. With the departure of Sean Weatherspoon, SR LB Andrew Gachkar is going to have to assume to captain position on the field. Our secondary has also been one of the worst in the nation for the last two years, but with four returning senior starters, there is no reason why we should continue to struggle there.

You have an elite quarterback, arguably the best passer in the conference, how will he be utilized this season?

Blaine Gabbert really showed his worth last season. Passing for over 3,500 yards and for 24 TDs is just phenomenal. You can expect the same numbers from him again this year (Can we say heisman?). Mizzou runs the spread, and I couldn't have better faith in a QB to charge that offense. Freshman newcomer James Franklin may get worked into a dual-qb type system so that he can show why he will be the dual-threat of the future, but Gabbert will be the face of our offense, rain or shine...

How does the rest of your offense shape up?
Well as stated before, there are a few question marks still hanging over the offense. The wide receivers will really need to fill some big shoes very quickly, but I trust that they can get it done. Senior running back Derrick Washington will be starting in the backfield again, and that guy is dangerous whether he is lined up behind the QB or in a slot. He found the end zone 10 times last year on the ground, but not once through the air. He is determined to bump those numbers higher this season and his effort is showing up in Spring Training.

The teams with the two best defenses played for the Big 12 last season, has anything been done to get better on defense?

We are returning alot of experience this season, with 5 of the starters being seniors and 3 being juniors. Our secondary has really been drilled this spring while practicing against the spread and look to be making solid improvements weekly.

Another name you will be hearing more of this year is sophomore defensive end Aldon Smith. This kid is going to be a star and is a much needed force on the defensive front to pressure the QB.

You go to College station and Lincoln and you host Oklahoma in between. That 3 game stretch will define your season. Do you have the complete package to run that guantlet?
Those three games are really going to be the testament to our season. I have confidence that we will be able to contain Jerrod Johnson and the Aggies offense enough to give our offense some breathing room. A&M has struggled defensively against the pass, so I expect we will continue to hit them where it hurts the most. Oklahoma has a great offense and an even better defense, but our home field advantage will help carry the pace for this game. As long as our offense can stay out on the field, we can control our own destiny for that game.

Nebraska is the game all of my guys are looking forward to the most. After a heart-breaking loss last year in the rain to open conference play, we just couldn't seem to get any momentum for the rest of the season. Blaine Gabbert looks to retaliate the most, who was held to 0 TDs, and second lowest yards in a game (134) while chunking 2 INTs. He has already been talking all spring about this game, so we will be ready.

Who should the world look out for on this team?
On offense - The world will get to see the legs and arm of Freshman QB James Franklin. He will be the future of the Missouri spread and will get his chances to shine this season

On defense - Its all about DE Aldon Smith. He is the all-star of the defense and I expect him to make plenty of noise all season long.

Super woman or Cat woman?
Definitely cat woman.. Nothing sexier than a woman in some black leather and showing off her curves. I have to support another member of the cat family anyways.. We are the TIGERS!!

You were seconds away from a Big 12 crown. How did the returning players handle the disappointment?

Its behind us. Now my players understand why fighting for that extra yard, second, etc is really important. It will be our fuel to carry us into dominance.

Who will start at QB for the Huskers and why?

Zac Lee. Alot of people are going to say that this is a foolish move, but I feel that the struggles we had last year come from more than just Zac. It takes 11 men working in unison for an offense to function. We have an improved O-Line and a very talented back field. Additionally, Zac has many weapons to throw the ball to in TE McNeil and WRs Nyles Paul. Zac Lee knows how to lead our team and he will be our man this Fall.

You have to replace some great talent on defense most notably Ndamukong Suh. You are a defensive minded coach, how will this unit fare this season?

We are the blackshirts. Plus I've got a guy that could be better than Suh. Jared Crick. 6-6 285 Freak of nature. Jared has a motor that runs 1000MPH. Plus he was able to watch Suh progress and only being a junior means he will have 2 season left.

What are the points you will stress this season to make sure your team returns to the Big 12 CCG?

1. Make Every Game Count - We must understand that every game we play must be played with the intensity as a National Championship game. Every Snap, Tackle, Pancake, etc must be executed like it is the last time any of the these players will see the field again.

2. Limit Turnovers - Giving the ball away 10 times to Iowa State is how you get your ass beat. If you want to dominate, You have to be taking the ball away not handing it out like candy.

3. Finish to the Wistle- We know very well that it isnt over until the wistle blows. we must block, tackle and execute our assignments if we want to better than last year.

You play Texas in the regular season. Is this a make or break game in regards to your season?

Every game we play this year weather is a less prestigious school or a major powerhouse contender. We have to take each game like its all or nothing. A lot of people will want to make something of the UT NU game but we are here to Ball. And ball is what we shall do!

Would you rather be caught in a hurricane or a tornado?
Tornado, They are Just like Hack's Mom, Short and Sweet.

Is Robert Griffin ready to return to full speed after the knee injury?

He looked good in workouts and practice earlier this year, and he has continued to improve. By the time the season rolls around, he should be back in top form. While not expecting anything bad to happen, we will leave the offense in his hands, and let him do what he feels he can do. If that means tearing apart the defense with some well placed passes to his receivers, so be it. If that means making the LB's wish they weren't playing Baylor, that works also.

What do you have on defense?

Youth and speed. Gobs of it. That doesn't always translate into talent, but it is a good recipe for a solid scheme. DT Phil Taylor will be our anchor. Without him, the rest of the D crumbles. He is the epicenter of the atomic blast. I only hope the defense can perform like one.

Have you recruited the talent to get Baylor in the Big 12 championship picture in the future?

Yes. We have some very talented young players that have the potential to step up and make a huge impact this year. Our JUCO transfers will play big roles on the offensive line, and the freshman that will play in the secondary have the chance to make or break this defense.

How do you feel you team came out of Spring practice?

With room to improve. But we also got a more solid understanding of what we really have on our depth chart. There is talent here, but it needs to be moved and massaged into a cohesive unit to take the utmost advantage of what we have. There were quite a few moves made on the defensive line. Guys got bigger and moved inside, LB's made the move to DE, and a DT even moved to FB. Tell me that's not a scary thought.

If you could set the over/under on your teams wins what would it be set at?

7, bowl game is a must with the offensive talent we have.

Big 12 Champions -Texas - talent and coaching

Big 12 offensive player of year - Robert Griffin (if healthy), otherwise Roy Helu JR (anybody that played '09 knows what I mean)

Big 12 defensive player of year - Brian Duncan - Texas Tech

Big 12 freshman of year - I'll get back to you.

Big 12 coach of year - Since everybody is pulling for me, I'll go with Hack. He will need the biggest output to overcome some talent issues.

Coach you guys came up short against Alabama. What has the attitude been like in Austin since the loss?

We are upbeat and ready to go. We expect nothing less then a BCS championship and anything less is dissapointing, but it also drives us to work harder as coaches and players in the offseason.

Your Qb was thrown in the fire against arguably the best defense in the country on the biggest stage in the sport. What did he take away from that game to prepare him to take over for the winningest QB in college football history?

He can play at that level on the biggest stage. As the coach I need to take some of the heat for him not being more successfull in that game. One of the greatest attributes of Colt was his durability, so when he got hurt Garrett Gilbert didnt have the reps that were needed to go into a game of that magnitude. That said he performed pretty well and a couple balls our WRs could have helped him out also.

The defense had NFL guys on it last year and that was proven in the latest draft. What do you have coming back on defense? Leaders?

The leader up front on D is DT Kheeston Randall a beast of a man with size and speed and power..He can change a game. At LB we have super Soph Emmanuel Acho. In the defensive backfield we have another Stud hard hitting SS in Soph Christian Scott.

You have not been able to get much out of the running game lately. Will there be a focus to run the ball this year?

Right now there is a ton of youth here we will pound the ball to help out our young QB and Wrs. Right now the front runner at that spot is Jr. Foswhitt Whittaker, it is far from locked up right now we are waiting to see who emerges from fall practice. I will say this we were very impressed with some of the young guns brought in at this position.

The schedule is favorable but anytime you have to play Oklahoma and a CCG it gets iffy. Can this Longhorn team return to the BCS championship game or is that too much to ask from this squad?

We can and we will.

Who is the best player you ever coached?

Ricky Williams.

BIG 12 Champion- Texas

Big 12 offensive player of the year- WR Malcolm Williams

Big 12 defensive player of the year- Ill get back to you. But I expect he will come from our team.

Big 12 freshman of the year- Texas Freshman Josh Turner (Turner is an electrifying skill player with the speed and quickness needed to produce and shine in all three phases of the game at the next level. A great athlete with play-maker potential. He has a strong, wiry frame in need of additional bulk but is such a quick-twitched athlete)

Big 12 Coach of the year- I am not sure on this, not familure with these other coaches yet.

Hey, an improvement of 3 games in the win column, exactly as predicted, 7 wins. Third in the South, pretty freaking good. 3-1 in rivalry games, and a loss against the Sooners that really stung, we had that game. We improve by another 3 wins, that puts us at 10. I'd take that. And if those 3 extra wins come in conference, that means we are champs in the South.

sdid22;227064 said:

What will you get out of the QB position this year?

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Improved decision making, a willingness to scramble, and hopefully a first-team All Big12 candidate

sdid22;227064 said:

What do you have on defense?

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Speed, and hopefully some talented youth. Gary Mason should see a lot of attention this season after his performance last season. That should hopefully open up some room for everybody else to make plays.

sdid22;227064 said:

What is the realistic goal in Waco this season?

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9 wins, and contention for the Big12 South. Just need to beat Texas. And everybody else. It is the Big12 South, it is never easy.

Missouri hunted you guys down and took the North. How did the returning players handle the disappointment?

Is Mr. Burkhead ready to be the guy?

You are a defensive minded coach, how will this unit fare this season?

What has to happen to make sure your team returns to the Big 12 CCG?

Will there be any true freshmen starters or contributors this year?

Big 12 champion-

Big 12 offensive player of year-

Big 12 defensive player of year-

Big 12 freshman of year-

Big 12 coach of the year-

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Missouri hunted you guys down and took the North. How did the returning players handle the disappointment?

We just didn't do enough to get the job done. we are are 7 points and 2 wins away from being Big12 champs. We are really to roll.

Is Mr. Burkhead ready to be the guy?

Rex should be poised for a break out year. last year we struggled in the ground game. We are ready to bring back our rushing attack.

You are a defensive minded coach, how will this unit fare this season?

The blackshirts look impressive this year. Our front 7 will be leading the way behind stand out DT Jared Crick. We are big, fast and strong. Our secondary is also very talented. While we lack some quality depth in the secondary I believe we can shut down any offense on our schedule.

What has to happen to make sure your team returns to the Big 12 CCG?

Finish games. We let Mizzou and Texas sneak away, we were 1 possession short in both of those games and we have to what it takes to make sure we are the right side of those games.

Coach you had a succesful season but any season with out a crystal ball in Austin is a let down, how has your team reacted in the off season?

Same as the year before last, we will keep working. We were proud of being the Big 12 champs but dissapointed in coming in second in the rankings. We hope to avoid the mistakes early this year that cost us a couple close games early last season.

Your Qb had his ups and downs last season is he primed to be a Heisman canidate?

I am not sure, Garrett can play no doubt about that. He turned his season around last year with some very solid play.

Alot will depend on what we do better this season run or pass. I think one Longhorn will emerge as a Heisman candidate for sure.

Will any freshmen make an impact for the Longhorns this season?

I would look for Freshman WR Mike Davis to have an impact this on O year the kid can fly.

On D LDE Emmanual Acho should have a nice season rushing the passer. Aaron Benson MLB is another stellar Freshman to keep an eye on.

Tell us about the defense.

We have some serious speed and playmakers at LB this season so you may see us in some base sets vs 3 WR formations. This kids can fly and go 91,93,90 speed from left to right. We should be able to rush the passer with just a standard four or three man rush this season as we have increased our speed and ability to beat blocks up front. In the seconday we are young at CB but have speed and at S we have some vets who can make up for and cover mistakes.

Coach you were able to right the ship and play for the Conference title, how was the off season?

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The off season was not as great as expected. Failed to get some key guys to commit that has left some voids in the defense. We hope to play better this year to convince more young guys that Mizzou is the place to be! Being able to keep Blaine Gabbert for his Senior year will certainly help keep our potent offense rolling on all cylinders again this season...

What will you focus on to be able to avoid the horrid start to the season from last year?

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Communication.... We missed alot of opportunities based on the lack of chatter on the field.. WRs running wrong routes, defenders pulling off man coverage without a backup to cover, etc...

Any changes offensively or defensively?

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Offensively, nothing surprising. We will get to see more from the speedster Kendial Lawrence at running back with the departure of Derrick Washington. Gabbert is still the man under center and all of the starting WR core is back and ready to roll!

Defensively, we lost 6 starters, so it will be tough to pick up the pieces. Alot of new faces at the LB and Secondary positions, but I am confident that these guys can pick it up where we left off..

Nebraska is hungry and angry - you have any words of wisdom for the Sea of Red?

IS fan favorite Taylor Marinez the man at QB this season?Thats still up in the air right now. i need to see how him and cody green can perform. it would be a waste not to find a place for both green and martinez.
What do you have in the running game?Don Ronbinson - He stepped up big for us last season when Rex went down. He is a bruser and really spurred our rushing attack last season.
You are a defensive minded coach, how will this unit fare this season?We are great in the front 7. how ever i am worried about our secondary. we have 1 shut down corner and decent safeties. it will make for another interesting year.

Can Nebraska land the recruits to keep pace with Texas on the field?I think so, we just need to a better job and focus more on who we can get that is quality and do like Nebraska has always done, Win with local kids.

Will Compton is a preseason AA, what does he mean to this team?Glad to have him back. NCAA tackle leader last year. Will brings a lot of fire to this unit. I think we should see him win some awards this year since UK's Trevathon is gone.

Our one conference loss came at the hand of our North foe, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.. The defense failed to contain Nebraska's HB in that game, allowing him to gain big yards on multiple screen passes. Offensively, we weren't much better, turning the ball over 4 times, 3 of which where in the red zone. We must learn to minimizes mistakes in the big game if we want to win the North again this year.

We lost a great leader in Blaine Gabbert, so QB James Franklin will have some big shoes to fill this season as he takes control of the Mizzou spread. Our defense has the biggest holes though, having two true freshman starters and a handful more that are playing a backup or secondary defense role.

We will be returning a stud WR in L Damian Washington who proved to be one of Gabbert's more favorite targets last year before missing a few games from an injury. Senior HB Kendial Lawrence also has some high hopes on the field so hopefully we can find him some better looks and holes early on to give him momentum.

The defense is in desperate need of some playmakers all over the field. With the offense still having some depth, I hope to be able to build a quality base defense before needing to worry about finding some studs on the offense.

Robert Griffin is a bonafide Heisman candidate, what will you do to market him?

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I can't do much to market him. This is college ball. But, if he performs well on the big stage, in the big games, he will end up where he deserves. He has a lot of his supporting talent back to help him out this year. If the stars align, we may see some interesting things from Baylor.

Does Griffin have enough playmakers around him to post Heisman worthy numbers?

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His top 3 receivers are back from last season. Both TE's are back. I think that makes 5 out of his top 6 targets from last season returning. If guys step up and play for the team, the team may end up rewarding one of its own. The biggest thing that is needed this season is balance. We need production from the backfield. Salubi and Isaac Williams need to produce on the ground to take pressure away from Griffin. Williams has stepped it up this year. He was buried on the depth chart last year, but worked as a returner for us. This year, he should make an impact in all facets of the game.

Finally I can say this. Experience. This is the third season that this secondary has been working together. At LB, Chris McAllister is starting his third season. Rodney Chadwick is a SR and starting for the second year. The big question mark, but I also believe huge bright spot is LeQuince McCall. He got some time in last year, but was out half the year with an injury. He will be solid in our run defense. John Jean looks to step in the nickel package and provide us with a solid "pass first" defender. Some say the question mark would be the defensive line. We graduated three seniors from last seasons starters. That is hard to overcome. But I believe we did it. We brought in two JUCO's that are loaded with talent. They immediately stepped up and filled the two gaping holes at DT. We promoted from within to replace Zac Scotton. Terrance Lloyd has been waiting patiently for his chance, and he has now gotten it. Let's see what the young man can do.